Post-Delivery Care for Mothers

Welcome to Motherhood!

Congratulations on the arrival of your new baby! This page is designed to help you navigate the post-delivery period and provide valuable tips on caring for yourself and your baby, particularly regarding breastfeeding.

Self-Care After Delivery

Physical Recovery

Rest: Your body has undergone significant changes, and it's essential to give yourself time to heal. Aim for short naps when your baby sleeps.
Hydration and Nutrition: Drink plenty of fluids and eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein to support recovery and breastfeeding.
Pain Management: It's normal to experience discomfort after delivery. Use prescribed medications or over-the-counter pain relievers as needed. Warm baths and ice packs can also help ease pain.
Perineal Care: If you had a vaginal delivery, keep the area clean. Use warm water during urination, and consider using warm Sitz bath 2-3 times a day. Try to aviod constipation and do not strain when passing motion. Change pads regularly maintain good hygiene.
C-section Care: If you had a caesarean section, follow your doctor’s instructions on caring for your incision. Keep the area clean and dry, and watch for signs of infection (redness, swelling, or discharge).

Emotional Well-Being

Mood Swings: It’s common to experience emotional changes postpartum due to hormonal fluctuations. Reach out for support if you feel overwhelmed.
Postpartum Depression: Be aware of the signs of postpartum depression, which may include persistent sadness, anxiety, or feelings of hopelessness. Don’t hesitate to seek help from your healthcare provider.

Follow-Up Appointments

Schedule a follow-up visit with your healthcare provider about 2 and 6 weeks postpartum to discuss your recovery and any concerns.

Breastfeeding Basics

Benefits of Breastfeeding

Provides optimal nutrition for your baby.
Strengthens the baby’s immune system.
Promotes bonding between mother and baby.
Can aid in postpartum recovery by helping the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size.

Getting Started

Timing: Breastfeeding can begin within the first hour after birth if you and your baby are stable.
Positioning: Find a comfortable position (cradle hold, cross-cradle hold, side-lying) that allows you to support your baby’s head and neck. The lactational consultant can help you understand these better - it typically takes 2-3 weeks for you and baby to get proficient at breast feeding
Latching: Ensure your baby latches onto the breast correctly by aiming for the nipple to touch the baby’s lips. The baby’s mouth should cover both the nipple and most of the areola. If the baby sucks just on the nipple then no milk will come out and the baby will bite the nipple out of frustration causing sore nipples which can lead to mastitis a serious condition in which the breast gets infected. On the other hand if the baby sucks at the areola then suction will be created to help milk flow through the nipple into the baby's mouth satisfying the baby. A correct latch is not baby painful so if you feel a tinge of pain when latching the baby you should try to detach the baby from the nipple and relatch with a deeper latch.

Frequency and Duration

Feed your baby on demand, typically every 1.5 to 3 hours. Signs of hunger include rooting, sucking, and increased alertness.
Allow your baby to nurse for about 20 minutes per breast, or until they seem satisfied.

Tips to Improve Breastfeeding

Establishing a Good Milk Supply

Frequent Feeding: The more you breastfeed, the more milk your body will produce. Adhere to your baby’s cues. Newborns will feed every 2-3 hours.
Emptying the Breast: Allow your baby to finish one side before switching to ensure they receive both foremilk (thinner, hydrating milk) and hindmilk (richer, higher in fat).
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to support milk production.
A well fed baby will pee and poo several times in a day and will not be cranky.

Improving Techniques

Comfort: Use pillows for support to avoid strain on your back and arms.
Skin-to-Skin Contact: Spend time holding your baby skin-to-skin, which promotes bonding and encourages breastfeeding.
Seek Help: If you experience pain, difficulty latching, or other concerns, consult a lactation consultant or your healthcare provider.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Sore Nipples: Ensure proper latch. Use lanolin cream or breast milk to soothe sore nipples.
Engorgement: If your breasts become too full, try to massage before feeds or pump to relieve pressure. Warm compresses can help before feeding, and cool compresses after.
Low Milk Supply: Increase feeding frequency and consider consulting a lactation consultant for support. There are medications herbs and supplements that can help with increasing the milk supply. Try not to be stressed as stress will reduce the supply significantly.

Conclusion

The postpartum period is a journey of recovery and bonding with your new baby. Prioritize self-care, seek support when needed, and trust your instincts as a mother. Breastfeeding may have its challenges, but with practice and patience, it can be a rewarding experience for both you and your baby.

If you have further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant.